Apprenticeship Reforms: what will they mean for the public sector?

Last month the Government confirmed that the Apprenticeship target for public sector bodies will be 2.3%.

The target is part of the Government’s pledge to create 3 million Apprenticeship starts by 2020, whereby they hope that the public sector can act as a model employer.

Debbie Scotton, Business Development Manager at South Leicestershire College discusses how this will affect public sector organisations.

“The Government’s recent consultation has confirmed that public sector bodies will need to have an average of 2.3% of employees per year start an Apprenticeship between 2017/18 and 2020/21.

“As part of this approach, public sector bodies will be required to submit their figures each year to the Secretary of State. The Government has also suggested (although not yet confirmed) that additional information will also be requested including action that organisations have taken to meet the target and reasons for not meeting their target.

“A number of questions have been thrown up as a result of the announcement, such as how this will work for employers with a high number of part-time staff or those in sectors where Apprenticeship frameworks or standards may not exist.

“The Government is due to draft regulations for the reporting with further guidance to be released in due course.”

“As a training provider, we aim to work closely with public sector organisations to use Apprenticeships as a way to develop the best talent within the public sector.

“The Office for National Statistics definition of ‘Public Sector’ includes large schools, the NHS, Civil Service Department and emergency services. Further Education Colleges such as ourselves are not included within this target. The employment of Apprentices is however a key part of our training and recruitment strategy which we will continue with and develop throughout the upcoming reforms. Our aim is to work closely with public sector organisations, using Apprenticeships to develop talent and create training opportunities for people of all ages.”

To find out more about Apprenticeships, including employing and Apprentice and information about the reforms, contact the College: business.development@slcollege.ac.uk 0116 264 3535